The Role of Hormone Replacement Therapy
During menopause, women stop producing the
sex hormone estrogen, which offers some protection against
heart disease. In recent years, doctors used hormone replacement
therapy (HRT) to restore estrogen to premenopausal levels
and to reduce a woman’s risk for CVD. But because
of recent clinical trials, the American Heart Association
recommends that HRT should NOT be used to prevent a second
heart attack to reduce a woman’s risk for CVD. Studies
indicate that HRT may actually increase the risk for heart
attack in some women.
Some women may increase their risk for developing breast
cancer if they continue the therapy for a longer period.
Other risks in some women include uterine hyperplasia (abnormal
cell growths in the lining of the uterus), as well as endometrial
(uterine) cancer. Some women may experience migraines and
other headaches more often.
References
- “Facts
About Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy,” NHLBI,
October 2002.
- “Questions
and Answers on the Use of Hormones After Menopause for
Osteoporosis and Recent Findings from the Women’s
Health Initiative,” National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, August 2002.
Source of Material: RockHill Communications, 14
Rock Hill Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040, http://www.RockHillCommunications.com
Writer: Christine Norris
Editors: Andrea King, Joanne Poeggel, Erin Murphy, Ron
Wozny
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, M.D. - RockHill Communications
Date Written: 3/1/01
Last Reviewed & Updated: 5/31/2003 |
